Certified Systems Engineers are personally responsible for completing the recertification process on time. If the deadline is missed, the certificate expires and recertification can only be achieved by retaking the exam. The recertification process is based on the certificate’s validity period (3 or 5 years):

Certified Systems Engineers are expected to maintain and further develop their knowledge and skills in the field of systems engineering. This is necessary because the environment, technologies, processes, and standards are constantly changing. The time limit on certification and the option to extend it by earning continuing education credits (PDUs) are intended to promote this.

Professional Development Units (PDUs) can be earned through activities that maintain or expand the knowledge and skills required of a systems engineer. Rules apply to the earning of PDUs.

Validity and Required Professional Development Units per Level

A total of 120 continuing education credits (PDUs) must be earned during this period and submitted to SE-TREC GmbH four weeks before the deadline. At the same time, the renewal fee must be paid to SE-TREC GmbH. You can find the current fee under the different Levels.

You must therefore send SE-TREC GmbH the completed renewal form—which you will receive via email from the SE-ZERT® Office along with the seal after certification—and a completed cost-coverage form.

Continuing education credits can be earned through activities in the following categories:

If more than 120 points are earned during this period, up to 30 points may be carried over to the new certification period. In the event of an upgrade in certification or upon expiration of the validity period, the continuing education point balance is reset to zero.

For further details, please refer to the PDF document (Appendix: Earning Continuing Education Points), which is available in the download section.

The SE ZERT® program covers a broader range of topics than the INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional certification. The audited training program places particular emphasis on cross functional topics and includes dedicated instruction in soft skills. Participation in a licensed training course is mandatory and combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises. This creates a high standard of professional education that is verified through examinations consisting of both multiple choice and open response questions. The INCOSE certification examination, by comparison, consists exclusively of multiple choice questions.

Even non-members of the GfSE can convert their SE-ZERT into an international certificate.

Prices for converting an SE-ZERT certificate into a INCOSE-SEP: